Government Update News


MARAD – Assistance to Small Shipyards Grant Program

Dec 12, 2011

AGENCY: Maritime Administration, DOT / ACTION: Notice of Small Shipyard Grant Program.SUMMARY: This notice announces the intention of the Maritime Administration to provide grants for small shipyards. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 20…

USCG Seeking MERPAC Applicants

Dec 12, 2011

The Coast Guard is seeking applications for membership on the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). This Committee advises the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on matters related to personnel in the U.S. merchant marine…

USCG Awards ClassNK Measurement Authorization

Dec 12, 2011

ClassNK Awarded Authorization from the U.S. regarding Tonnage Measurement and Load Lines.  The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has entered into an agreement with ClassNK to officially delegate authority to the world’s largest classification…

Legislation Aimed at Reducing TWIC Red Tape

Dec 09, 2011

Bill Would Reform Enrollment Process in Flawed TWIC Program. U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) introduced legislation today that would reform the burdensome enrollment process of the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) program…

New Edition of U.S. Chart No. 1 Available

Dec 09, 2011

U.S. Chart No.1, Nautical Chart Symbols, Abbreviations and Terms, is an essential aid for new chart users and a useful reference for all mariners. The latest version, Edition 11, is now available for free download from the web. The new edition…

EU Shipbuilding Aid: New Rules Unveiled

Dec 08, 2011

The European Union unveiled new rules for assessing aid to the bloc's shipbuilding sector on Wednesday, hailing the reform as intended to help foster innovation in an industry facing tough global competition, according to a Reuters report. The…

U.S. DOJ: Fishing Company Indicted for Enviromental Crimes

Dec 07, 2011

New Zealand Fishing Company Indicted for Enviromental Crimes and Obstruction of Justice. A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., has returned a seven-count indictment charging Sanford Ltd. with violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS)…

BOEM to Hold Public Meeting in New Orleans

Dec 07, 2011

BOEM Will Hold Public Hearing on December 8th in New Orleans on Proposed Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will hold a public hearing in New Orleans on Dec. 8, 2011, to provide an opportunity to comment…

ONR: From Science Fiction to Science Fact

Dec 05, 2011

As Director of Innovation, Dr. Larry Schuette is one of three portfolio directors at the Office of Naval Research (ONR).  His counterparts are the director of research (discovery and invention) and director of transition.  The Office of Innovation promotes…

Offshore Oil Spills & A Culture of Complacency

Dec 05, 2011

The dictionary defines “complacency” as tranquil pleasure or self-satisfaction, especially when uncritical or unwarranted.  Groups are prone to complacency when events occur as expected over an extended period of time.  They let their guard down…

Canada Ramps up Pressure on NY over BWT

Nov 18, 2011

Yesterday’s well-attended ballast water policy teleconference briefing by the Canadian Minister of Transport served notice that Canada has no intention of allowing the state of New York to dictate ballast water regulations, nor impede commerce on the St…

NOAA Begins Production With Esri

Nov 18, 2011

GIS Creates Integrated Data Workflow for More Efficient Chart Production. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has implemented a new nautical charting system based on Esri GIS technology to produce more navigational…

Technology Can Cause Costly Distractions

Nov 17, 2011

THE London P&I Club has warned that improvements in telecommunications technology on board ships can create unwelcome distractions, leading to casualties. In its StopLoss Bulletin, the club notes that an alleged causative factor in a recent…

BOEM Calls for Public Input on Proposed 2012-2017 Eastern GOM Lease Sales

Nov 17, 2011

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking information from interested parties regarding proposed oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico Eastern Planning Areas. These sales are included in the Proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2012-2017…

Climate Change Negotiations: Shipping Industry Briefs UN

Nov 15, 2011

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) – which represents all sectors and trades of the global shipping industry and more than 80% of the world merchant fleet – has produced a briefing document for government climate change  negotiators…

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